Speaking in schools over the last 30 years, I’ve received many letters about my presentations from students, some positive, others negative. A few days ago, I received an e-mail about one of my talks 24 years ago. I thought I would share it with you.

“Mr. Keller,

I have wanted to write to you for a very long time now.

I was a student at a local high school in the River Parishes from 1982 – 1986. You visited us one year and gave a talk about drugs and alcohol. I was one of those students who you were trying to get through to. I honestly can’t remember what you said, but it is what I did after that I do remember.

Our teacher had us write you a letter of thanks. I did not thank you in my letter. I wrote some horrible things down that day. I don’t know if you ever received them or if the letter was stopped because of the things I wrote.

I graduated and started working

in a local industry. I was only

making minimum wage and

working a dirty labor position.

It wasn’t until two years later at

the age of 20 that I realized I was going nowhere fast. On that day, I decided to stop and go in another direction. I am now the manager

of that same facility. My wife of

22 years and I just gave birth to

a beautiful boy. I know that I

must teach him better than I was taught.

I hope you never received that

letter, and if you did, for that I

am truly sorry. You may not have gotten through to me on that day, but I as a father know now that

people like yourself will always

be remembered for your efforts

and dedication to send a positive message to all who will

listen.

Mr. Keller, it is sad that some of our young people never get a chance to realize, as I did, that drugs and alcohol will hold them down and some never get up again.

Sincerely,

Name Withheld”

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.